I was going over with my son Chris, all the things his eight-year-old daughter, Raven, was involved in. Would you believe this week she had to practice her ice skating, horseback riding, and tennis lessons. She also had time to swim three days in her pool, and she loves to draw and do art work, not to mention a full week in school.
Raven’s willingness to try new things without any fear or trepidation is really refreshing, especially after dealing with grown-ups all day who need an act of congress to change their underwear.
Most children have no fear of anything unless a grown-up tells them they can’t. In the Love chapter, I told you the story about a boy who would ride his two-wheel bicycle on the top rail of a picket fence. Just thinking about it scares the heck out of me. Anyway, he did for years; it must have been a sight to see. Then one day a grown-up saw him and told him to get down or he would fall and hurt himself severely. The boy being a nice respectable child obeyed his elder and got down. Unfortunately, from that day forward he was never able to duplicate what he had been doing naturally for a couple of years.
In my opinion, this is a tragedy. The grown-up instilled his own fear in the boy and that boy will probably carry that fear the rest of his life. I’m very proud of Chris and his wife, Belle for allowing Raven to experience life’s great pleasures without any fear.
Happiness is having no fear.
Happiness is trying new things.
Happiness is letting go.
Happiness is family.
Today’s Exercise: If you have a choice of a few bumps or fear, pick the bumps all the time.
Today’s Affirmation: I am as happy as I make up my mind to be.
Points to Ponder: Happiness is having no fear. Happiness is trying new things. Happiness is letting go.
